Kestria Appoints Consumer & Retail Global Practice Leader
November 17, 2023 – Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has named Katerina Meimaroglou as the new consumer & retail global practice leader. “In a world of constant change, the consumer and retail industry is at the core of modern commerce,” Kestria said. “Shaping economies and redefining customer engagement, this sector offers both challenges and opportunities for forward-thinking leaders and organizations.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome Katerina as our new consumer & retail global practice leader,” said Stepan Motejzik, alliance director at Kestria. “In an industry as dynamic and pivotal as consumer and retail, having the right leadership is paramount. Our global consumer & retail practice plays a substantial role in shaping and navigating this sector through transformative times, and I’m confident that Katerina’s expertise and dedication will make a significant impact. Her leadership will not only benefit our alliance but also our clients, helping them thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.”
“The main challenge in the consumer goods industry today is keeping up with rapidly changing consumer preferences and behaviors, which demand adaptability and innovation in areas like sustainability, personalization, and e-commerce,” said Ms. Meimaroglou, managing partner, Kestria Greece. “At Kestria we have the expertise and the mindset to deliver results up to the highest standards and to serve even the most demanding clients worldwide.”
Ms. Meimaroglou has focused on executive search at senior levels, especially in the FMCG, retail and pharma industries since 2007. She has corporate experience in HR management from multinational organizations such as The Coca-Cola Company, where she worked for almost six years in HR regional and marketing manager roles across Greece, Cyprus and Malta. Prior to that, she worked for British Petroleum as HR advisor. Ms. Meimaroglou has also served as the Kestria executive board member since 2021.
Related: Kestria Names Americas Practice Leader for its Technology Practice Group
Kestria has partners in over 40 countries and 90 cities across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The consortium has completed more than 40,000 assignments for more than 4,000 clients, from game-changing start-ups to major global players.
Recent Additions
Kestria recently added Zurich-based executive search firm Viavanta as a member firm. “We are thrilled to welcome Viavanta as our new member in Switzerland,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria global alliance director. “As a leading executive search alliance, we recognize the importance of the Swiss market, which is a critical economy worldwide with extensive international exposure and substantial business opportunities.” Founded in 2016, Viavanta has a track record in the following industries: consumer and retail, technology, and industrial / production. In addition, the firm regularly leads senior management mandates in other industries.
“With Viavanta, we have a new strong partner who will help all Kestria members serve their local and international clients who are based in Switzerland or invest within the territory,” Mr. Motejzik said. “We look forward to collaborating with Viavanta and delivering exceptional executive search services in Switzerland.”
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Brazil
Kestria has added StautGROUP Executive Search in Brazil as its newest member firm. “Latin America is an economically promising region in global trade due to its abundant commodities, growing middle class, improving infrastructure, and regional integration efforts,” said Stepan Motejzik, alliance director at Kestria. “Brazil, as the largest economy in the region, offers significant potential for global trade and investment with its rich natural resources, diverse workforce, and expanding consumer market. We are delighted to welcome StautRH Executive Search as our new partner in Brazil. They will help us extend the reach of our services and ensure that our clients receive the best possible care in this critical Latin American market.”
Kestria also added Invictus Hill in Zambia, Africa as a member firm. “Africa is an exciting part of the world in terms of growth, development, and new opportunities,” said Mr. Carr. “We look forward to a long and happy association with our new member and to assisting them further develop their business.” Invictus Hill, now billed as Kestria Zambia, has experience across the executive search, legal, and commercial spectrum having acted for a variety of clients in different segments of the business. “Invictus Hill is committed to assisting clients to achieve their commercial objectives in the most effective and efficient way possible while maintaining the highest level of advisory excellence,” Kestria said.
“With over 14 years of my experience as a human resource practitioner and being registered with the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management, I’m extremely excited by this opportunity to join Kestria Global,” said Lusungu Kayela, managing partner, Kestria Zambia. “As a team, we will strive to achieve more. We are ready to serve our clients in line with our values of family, empathy, and integrity and building lasting professional collaborations globally.”
Related: Kestria Adds Pender & Howe to Network
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media